GTA VI Delay Costs Video Game Industry $2.7 Billion

Los Angeles, CA — The launch of the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI has been pushed to 2026, leading to an estimated loss of $2.7 billion for the video game industry in 2025, according to a new report by Ampere Analysis.

This postponement comes as news breaks that overall spending on games, content, and services will still surpass $200 billion for the first time, driven largely by the upcoming release of the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5. Ampere forecasts an increase from $199.4 billion in 2024 to $201.3 billion in 2025, a modest growth of just 1 percent.

Despite the grim outlook for 2025, industry analysts are not panicking. They expect substantial sales of GTA VI once it launches, impacting the market in 2026. Mike Hickney, a Benchmark analyst, noted that the game is likely to enhance engagement and profitability for Take-Two Interactive, which owns Rockstar Games.

“The release of GTA VI is expected to deliver a material uplift in engagement, monetization, and profitability,” Hickney stated in a recent report. Meanwhile, industry expert Michael Pachter of Wedbush described the game’s expected launch price as $80, suggesting that teens may want to start saving their allowances now.

However, not everyone shares this optimism. Clay Griffin from MoffettNathanson is taking a more neutral stance on Take-Two’s stock, labeling the delay “a non-event” in the grand scheme of things.

Research director Piers Harding-Rolls from Ampere Analysis stressed the need for the gaming industry to cut costs until it can increase revenue significantly. “With no transformative technology or monetization models on the horizon, games companies are focusing on building content more efficiently,” Harding-Rolls said.

There are still opportunities for growth in the gaming sector, including a projected $7-8 billion content opportunity from the Nintendo Switch 2 over the next two years. Ampere’s analysis highlights that the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia are among the strongest regions for growth.

The absence of GTA VI is expected to affect console sales dramatically. Ampere estimates that around 700,000 fewer Xbox and PlayStation 5 consoles will be sold due to the delay. In addition, about 20 million fewer game sales from current owners are anticipated, contributing to the overall expected loss in the sector.

As Take-Two Interactive adjusts to the new timeline, rivals are already shifting their strategies to capture the market void. Electronic Arts has announced plans to launch a new Battlefield title within the same fiscal year.

The effects of the GTA VI delay extend beyond disappointing fans; it is causing significant disruption throughout the gaming industry. With developers rearranging release schedules and anticipating lower revenue, the ripple effects will be felt for months to come.